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12h ago

Cardinals Finalize Preparations for Historic Papal Conclave

The secretive election to choose Pope Francis's successor begins May 7, with 133 electors sequestered in the Sistine Chapel under strict security measures.

Officials, members of the clergy and conclave staff take an oath of secrecy in the Pauline Chapel, at the Vatican, on Monday.
The College of Cardinals Report is available online and has also been produced as a book.
ROME, ITALY - MAY 05: Red drapes are installed on the main balcony of St Peter's Basilica where the new pope will be introduced to the world. May 05, 2025 in Rome, Italy. On May 7, 133 cardinals will enter the Sistine Chapel to begin the papal conclave, the secretive voting process that requires two-thirds majority to elect the new leader of the Catholic Church. The election follows the death of Pope Francis on April 21 at the age of 88. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Overview

  • The conclave will convene on May 7 in the Sistine Chapel, where 133 cardinal electors will vote to select the next pope following Pope Francis's death on April 21.
  • Cardinals and approximately 100 support staff have taken oaths of secrecy, with communication devices confiscated and signal jamming set to begin on Wednesday afternoon.
  • Voting will follow a structured process, requiring a two-thirds majority for election, with black or white smoke signaling the voting outcomes to the public.
  • This conclave, the largest and most geographically diverse in history, includes representatives from 70 countries, reflecting Pope Francis’s influence on the College of Cardinals.
  • Cardinals have moved into Vatican accommodations, including Santa Marta and Santa Marta Vecchia, with rooms assigned by lot ahead of the conclave’s commencement.